UA Preview — June 8-14, 2026

BEST BETS

UA selects inaugural dean of new School of Leadership and Policy

Retired U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Parker H. Wright has been selected as the inaugural dean of The University of Alabama's new School of Leadership and Policy. He will begin his appointment Aug. 1.

Why This Matters: As the inaugural dean, Wright will lead the establishment and growth of the School of Leadership and Policy, advancing initiatives that align with the University's mission to develop leaders, strengthen communities and expand its global impact. He will work closely with campus leadership and University partners to create interdisciplinary programs that bridge public service, policy and leadership development.

For more information, contact Bryant Welbourne at [email protected].

Adapted Athletics inaugural all-sport camps and wheelchair giveaway

UA's Adapted Athletics is hosting campers from across the country during a day camp June 15-17 and an overnight camp June 10-13 at Stran-Hardin Arena in Tuscaloosa for all sports - wheelchair basketball, wheelchair tennis and para track and field. On June 11 at 1 p.m., one camper will receive a new $8,000 wheelchair. Media are invited to attend this presentation. Media will also be able to interview campers, coaches and staff; capture camp activities and competition; cover an equipment donation and learn more about the growth of adapted athletics and its impact on athletes nationwide.

For more information, contact Kellcie Temple at [email protected].

Ancient wildfires caused ocean collapse

Research led by UA found that widespread wildfires during one of Earth's ancient environmental crises did not trigger an ocean collapse but was a consequence of it.

Why This Matters: The study, published in Science Advances in April, revisits the Late Devonian period, when large parts of the coastal ocean became oxygen-depleted, disrupting marine ecosystems on a global scale. This period is considered one of the five great extinction events in Earth's history.

For more information, contact Jessica Nelson at [email protected].

Blackburn Institute students support Selma business owners

A group of five Blackburn Institute students partnered with the Alabama Entrepreneurship Institute, the EDGE and Selma Resilience Initiative to develop and deliver a one-day certificate program for small business owners last month. The event was the first AEI certificate program for entrepreneurship, growth and innovation.

Why This Matters: The students developed relationships with small business owners prior to the event by visiting small businesses around Selma to advertise and recruit. Students also helped with the second annual Selma River Pitch event, like economics and legal history major Micah Adams, who served as a timekeeper.

For more information, contact David Bedsole at [email protected].

CURRENT COMMENT

The highly invasive Asian longhorn tick was recently discovered on a dog in Dekalb County, Alabama. While mostly a serious threat to livestock, they will also bite humans. UA's resident entomology expert, Dr. John Abbott, is available to discuss what Alabamians should know about this pest. Contact John at [email protected].

We've seen recent reports of snake bites in Alabama. While most snakes want to be left alone, sometimes humans and snakes come face to face. UA herpetology specialist, Dr. Scott Jones, is available to discuss which snakes Alabamians should look out for and why. Contact Scott at [email protected].

EVENTS

Saturday in the Park: Necklace Making

June 13; Moundville Archaeological Park

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The University of Alabama strives to remain neutral on public policy issues. Strategic Communications may facilitate interviews or share opinions expressed by faculty, staff, students, or other individuals regarding policy matters. However, those opinions do not necessarily reflect the views of the University or its leadership, and do not constitute a statement on behalf of the University unless explicitly designated.